Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is determined to bring back Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, but his plan to establish liaison offices faced opposition from the families of the abductees. In a meeting with the families, Ishiba emphasized the urgency of the issue and expressed a willingness to hold summit talks with Kim Jong Un.
The Japanese government officially recognizes 17 people as abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, though there are suspicions of more cases. Despite Pyongyang’s claims that the issue has been resolved, families like Takuya Yokota, whose sister Megumi is an abductee, are skeptical of the proposed liaison office setup.
While Japan lacks diplomatic ties with North Korea, Ishiba is adamant about finding a resolution during his tenure. Previous attempts at one-on-one talks with North Korea’s leader, like those by Ishiba’s predecessor Fumio Kishida, have not materialized. However, the families, particularly Megumi’s mother Sakie Yokota, remain hopeful and unwavering in their quest for reunification.
Overall, Ishiba’s dedication to addressing the abduction issue and engaging with North Korea signals a renewed effort to resolve this long-standing dispute.
© KYODO